The Check Mark
Learn more about our updated Clearance Services Check Mark.
Advertising Preclearance
Ad Standards has been providing advertising preclearance for the Canadian industry for over 30 years, beginning with the review of broadcast advertising to children in 1972. As additional categories of broadcast advertising were identified for review, Ad Standards expanded its preclearance service at the request of both industry and government. Today, Ad Standards Clearance Services is Canada’s leading not-for-profit preclearance body delivering a fee-based, objective and independent advertising copy review and advisory service for industry. Preclearance services are available in six divisions:
- Alcoholic Beverages
- Children’s Advertising
- Cosmetics
- Food and Non-Alcoholic Beverages
- Responsible Advertising of Foods & Beverages to Children
- Health Products
| Happy Holidays from Ad Standards!
Closure Notice: Please note our offices will be closed starting December 24, at 1pm through January 1st 2025 inclusively. We will re-open Thursday, January 2nd, at 9:00 a.m. |
| Important Information for All Submitters
Ad Standards has launched a new portal for preclearance submissions! Please review all documentation in our Help Centre, and refer to it when using the new system for the first time. |
Ad Standards Clearance Services analysts provide expertise across all six areas providing advertisers with the confidence that their advertising messages comply with applicable sectoral legislation, regulations, codes and guidelines.
At the request of industry, Ad Standards has developed a logo that may be affixed to advertising materials that have been reviewed by and received approval from Ad Standards Clearance Services. The logo may be used in all forms of media provided that the advertisement was reviewed and approved by Ad Standards in its final, as-produced form. This helps build consumer confidence by communicating that your advertising is compliant with all pertinent regulations in Canada. Contact clearance@adstandards.ca to learn more.
Through a proactive education and outreach program, Ad Standards Clearance is dedicated to keeping the industry informed of regulatory and legislative trends through workshops, custom consultations and seminars for advertisers, agencies and other members. View upcoming events.